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Echoes of Unrequited Love (Xaviera and Hogan) novel Chapter 31

Chapter 31 

I thought I heard it wrong

But seeing Cecilia hemming and hawing, I knew Hogan’s Invite was legit

Or was it just lip service

I didn’t want to be a pain in the neck, so I politely declined, Thanks for the kind offer, Mr. Zade, but I’ve got work to tackle. I’ll treat you next time.” 

Hogan wouldn’t take no for an answer, You’ve got to eat no matter how busy, right?” 

His voice oddly pitched a notch higher, made me feel like I was too dumb to appreciate his goodwill

Cecilia stood there with her head hanging low, murmuring, Hogan, maybe Xaviera really has 

her reasons.” 

Look at that, his baby girl had an opinion

I stood there, waiting to see how Hogan would handle the situation

After a moment, he said with strained patience, Cecilia’s been at your company for over al month now, Ms. March. She must have caused you some trouble, so I ought to give a proper 

thanks.” 

I immediately read between the lines of Hogan’s implication

Turns out, he was settling a debt for Cecilia

Cecilia caught on, too, her pale face finally breaking into a small smile, Hogan Is so thoughtful, Xaviera, maybe you shouldn’t refuse?” 

Full of sincerity

I felt a bit miffed inside, but facesaving is still a thing

So, I ended up hitting the restaurant with Hogan and Cecilia

The place had class, and there was even someone tickling the Ivories in the corner. The plano music helped ease the blockage in my heart a bit

But one thing I couldn’t figure out: in such a romantic restaurant, wouldn’t it be better for Hogan to enjoy a cozy world for two with Cecilia

Why insist on bringing me along, the third wheel

Soon enough, I got my answer

Hilary stormed in like a force of nature

When she saw me, her angry face clearly flickered with surprise, Xaviera, you’re here too?” 

12:18 

Cacter 31 

Yea, even Hilary knew I was out of place here

But Hogan still dragged me into this

I casually chewed on my steak. Mr. Zade and Ms. Irwin are treating, I couldn’t resist.” 

Hillary cooled down, asked the waiter for an extra set of cutlery, and whether deliberately or not. sat opposite Cecilia

Nowadays, girls,she started with a snide tone, eyeing Cecilia casually. are something else.” 

With a zing. Cecilia’s hand slipped off the fork, clashing with the plate with an untimely screeching sound

Cecilia’s face changed colors. She was clenching the knife and fork so tightly her fingertips went white

Pretty awkward

Hogan, cool as a cucumber, served up a freshly cut steak and naturally swapped it with the one in front of Cecilia

The epitome of considerate

Cecilia lifted her long lashes, looking surprised and grateful, Hogan, I can manage it myself.” 

After that, she glanced cautiously at Hilary

Just like a startled little bunny

It took me back to the first time I met Hilary

We had a buffet together

Back then, she wasn’t as bossy as now, but her attitude wasn’t much better towards me

Throughout the meal, she had me fetching this and that. It was the crayfish season, and just because she mentioned she liked them, I ended up peeling crayfish all evening

My fingernails even smelled like crayfish

All that for a pretty cleverfrom her

And all the while, Hogan just sat across, silently eating, not saying a word

Now, same scenario, but he was cutting steak for Cecilia right in front of Hilary

Hogan, aren’t you babying her a bit too much?Hilary couldn’t stand it. She’s got hands, doesn’t she? Does she need you to cut and feed her?” 

Right when she said this, Hogan was passing a napkin to Cecilia

The man replied without batting an eye, You wouldn’t understand.” 

Hilary was left speechless, storm clouds gathering on her face

17-18 

Chapter 31 

Not wanting to be dragged Into their drama, I changed the subject, Mrs. Hilary, the panseared cod here is quite good, you should try it.” 

ring this, Hilary looked down, saw the deboned cod pieces, and smiled, Xaviera knows best, not like some young ladies, with no tact at all.” 

The meal was like a roller coaster ride

After dinner, the four of us stood at the neonlit intersection. Hilary grabbed my hand, Xaviera, come over this weekend, Hogan just fixed up the yard with a lawn, and there’s a big patch of bougainvillea in the back, you’ll love it.” 

My heart skipped a beat, and I glanced at Hogan involuntarily

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